Making Sense of Contact Solution

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Contact solution is an essential and often overlooked part of eye care, especially for those who wear contact lenses. It plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your eyes and extending the lifespan of your contact lenses. Understanding the different types of contact solutions and their specific uses can be crucial in making the right choice for your eye health.

The Importance of Contact Solution

Contact lens solution serves multiple purposes – it cleans, rinses, disinfects, and stores contact lenses. Regular use can prevent uncomfortable eye conditions like dryness or infections and also ensure that your contact lenses function optimally for a longer duration.

The solution plays a particularly crucial role in the removal of bacteria and debris from your lenses. So, if you’re wondering, “Can I put contact solution in my eyes?” or “Can I use contact solution as an eye drop?”, it’s important to remember that contact solutions are not designed to directly soothe or lubricate your eyes like eye drops. Instead, they are formulated to effectively clean and disinfect your contact lenses, which in turn, keeps your eyes healthy.

Types of Contact Lens Solutions

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

When it comes to understanding contact lens solutions, it’s important to note that there are different types designed to suit various needs:

• Multi-Purpose Solutions: These are the most common types of contact solutions and are designed to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store contact lenses. They’re convenient and effective for most contact lens users.
• Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions: These are great for those with sensitive eyes or those allergic to the preservatives in multi-purpose solutions. They require a specific cleaning process, but they provide excellent disinfection.
• Saline Solutions: These are primarily used to rinse off cleaning and disinfecting solutions and shouldn’t be used alone for cleaning and disinfection.

Choosing the right contact lens solution depends on your specific needs, lens type, and lifestyle. It’s always best to consult with your eye care provider before making a decision.

Caring for Contact Lenses

Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Using the correct contact lens solution is only one part of contact lens care. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Always Wash Your Hands: Before handling your contact lenses, ensure your hands are clean and dry to prevent any transfer of dirt or bacteria.
• Replace Regularly: Regardless of how well you clean them, contact lenses should be replaced as recommended by your eye care provider.
• Never Use Water: Water can contain bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, so always use the prescribed contact lens solution.
• Store Properly: Always store your contact lenses in a clean lens case filled with fresh contact lens solution.

Whether you are new to contact lenses or have been using them for years, understanding your contact solution can make a significant difference in your eye health. Always remember to consult your eye care provider if you have any questions.

About the Author: Dr. Steven Liem, OD, FAAO

Dr. Steven Liem, O.D., F.A.A.O. is an optometrist based in Pasadena, California. After obtaining his doctorate from UC Berkeley’s School of Optometry, he completed his residency in Pediatrics, Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation and became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. When he isn’t busy streaming or making Youtube videos about video games, Dr. Liem aims to broaden accessibility to vision health through his involvement in optometric industry and tech.